It is not by ruling over his neighbors, or by seeking to hold the supremacy over those that are weaker, or by being rich and showing violence towards those that are inferior, that happiness is found. Not by any of these things can one become an imitator of God. These things do not at all constitute His majesty.
On the contrary, the one who is an imitator of God is he who takes upon himself the burden of his neighbor; who, in whatever ways he may be superior, is ready to benefit another who is deficient; who, whatever things he has received from God, he distributes to the needy and thus becomes a god to those who receive from him. (ch. 10)
On the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place. … They who are well-to-do—and willing—give what each thinks fit. What is collected is deposited with the president [someone presiding over the meetings], who helps the orphans and widows, those who through sickness or any other cause are in need, and those who are in prison and the strangers sojourning among us. In a word he takes care of all who are in need. (First Apology 67)
[The Jews] consecrated the tithes of their goods to Him, but those who have received liberty set aside all their possessions for the LordÃs purposes. They bestow joyfully and freely even the more valuable portion of their property, since they have the hope of better things, like that poor widow who cast all her living into the treasury of God. (Against Heresies IV:18:2)
On the monthly day, if he likes, each puts in a small donation, but only if it be his pleasure and only if he be able. For there is no compulsion, all is voluntary.
These gifts are, as it were, piety's deposit fund. For they are not taken from there and spent on feasts, drinking bouts, and eating houses. They are to support and bury poor people, to supply the needs of boys and girls destitute of means and parents and of old persons confined now to the house.
They also benefit such, too, as have suffered shipwreck. And if there happen to be any in the mines, banished to the islands, or shut up in the prisons for nothing but their fidelity to the cause of God's Church; they become the nurslings of their confession. (Apology 39)
In truth, we are not able to give alms both to your human and your heavenly mendicants [beggars]; nor do we think that we are required to give any but to those who ask for it. Let Jupiter then hold out his hand and get, for our compassion spends more in the streets than yours does in the temples. But your other taxes will acknowledge a debt of gratitude to Christians; for in the faithfulness which keeps us from fraud upon a brother, we make conscience of paying all their dues. (Apology 42)